Redbacks hold off Viking attack to make grand final

A composed North Albany team has ensured it gets get one last crack at Manypeaks this season, winning through to the grand final after overcoming a persistent Vikings outfit 2-1 in last Saturday’s preliminary final.

In their maiden season in the Albany Retravision Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade competition, Vikings went two goals down before fighting their way back into the contest in the second half.

After losing the second semifinal to Peaks last weekend, Redbacks started strongly as Kylee Ferrell opened the scoring in the first quarter. Redbacks surged the ball forward and Mackenzie Poulish hit the ball across goal to the far post where Ferrell was waiting.

Vikings thought they had struck back two minutes prior to quarter-time but Georgie Powis’ shot from a penalty corner was hit too high.

With the only penalty corner of the second term, Redbacks star Beck Gallimore doubled her side’s advantage with a terrific conversion as they went into half time 2-0 up. Vikings were not without their chances in the second term and that continued in the third.

The big moment in the game came when Redbacks defender Nicole Spinks was penalised for a strong challenge in the defensive area, Vikings awarded a penalty stroke with more than nine minutes left in the quarter.

Georgie Powis stepped up to successfully score in the right corner and get her side back within reach.

That goal changed the momentum, as Vikings dominated the final term in their push to find an equaliser. They won three penalty corners in the last 15 minutes but were just unable to beat a staunch Redbacks defence.

Kelly Burlikowski played a terrific defensive game, one of the main reasons Redbacks prevailed.

Tallulah Gouldthorp and Cate McDonald gave the winners lots of drive while Gallimore showed her class in the midfield.

Vikings’s best were Charlotte Powis, who was tireless in midfield, and defenders Renae Hordyk and Hayley Manson.